Triumphant: Cristiano Ronaldo helped Portugal to qualify for this year’s World Cup in Qatar
(Picture: AFP via Getty Images)Cristiano Ronaldo believes Portugal are back in their “rightful place” after they qualified for this year’s World Cup in Qatar.
Portugal beat North Macedonia in their play-off final in Porto last night, with a brace from Bruno Fernandes securing a 2-0 win.
That victory means Portugal will be in the pot for Friday’s World Cup draw in Qatar and Ronaldo is delighted that’s the case.
This year’s World Cup is likely to be the 37-year-old’s last and he is determined to make it count.
“Goal achieved, we’re at the Qatar World Cup, we’re in our rightful place!” Ronaldo posted on Instagram. “Thank you to all the Portuguese for the tireless support! Forca Portugal!”
Ronaldo has achieved success with Portugal in the past, most notably winning Euro 2016 and the Nations League in 2019.
Both of those successes came under current manager Fernando Santos, who is eyeing up a third major title.
“I have already won two competitions and I dream a lot of winning a third,” he said.
“I have to congratulate the players for the fantastic attitude they had. In the first 10 minutes we couldn’t get it right, I said that this North Macedonia team knew how to play. It was not what was thought of them.
“It was a deserved and fair victory. I don’t remember any great goalscoring situation for their team.
“We merit being at the World Cup. Fortunately, the 11 million Portuguese fans will have the opportunity to have Portugal in the World Cup.”
